Planning to collect bras for us? Please work out how you will get your collection to us before you start. We do not have a pick up service or money for transport. Please read Doing a bra collection (PDF)

Drop off points and postal addresses for donations are listed on the Donate Bras page.

We now have a Mastectomy Bra and Breast Forms (prostheses) coordinator - see News page

A bra distribution day - Tonga 2008

Why Bras?

"In the Solomon Islands it is quite difficult to access a comfortable bra. Some of the second hand shops sell bras but mostly women have to buy their bras from the Chinese Trade Stores. These bras have some problems; they come in smaller sizes, are made of nylon and perish quickly in tropical conditions. You cannot buy maternity bras or mastectomy bras in country. For the women to be given free bras is an unbelievable experience for all of them. Women feel a tremendous obligation to meet the needs of their families, and so for any woman in the village to spend money buying a bra for herself can almost be seen as an unforgivable sin. The priority for women's spending is food and education needs of children." - Rose Wale, 2012, Report of Bra Distribution, Solomon Islands.

The situation described above is common in many countries. Women appreciate the common dignity of a bra for business or social occasions. Bras control breast swing when women bend to garden or cook at ground level. In humid climates rashes, fungal infections and abscesses occur between the breast and the chest wall. Bras help by allowing air circulation. Nursing mums everywhere leak, and bras allow the dignity of a dry shirt, and the comfort of support. A thrush rash on a mother's skin may spread to her baby's mouth, and then back into the breast itself. A mastectomy bra offers privacy about the problem.

Since 2005, Uplift, with assistance from Intimo and Rotary Australia World Community Service, has sent 750,000 bras wherever women have requested them. Uplift tries to ensure they get to the women who need them without compromising their dignity. We have sent bras to Fiji, PNG, Vanuatu, Cook Islands, Tonga, Solomon Islands, Philippines, Bali, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, the Northern Territory and the Kimberley regions in Australia.

Uplift sends bras only where they are requested. We ship only in biodegradable packaging, and aim not to compete with local businesses.

We supply to import duty exempt organisations for distribution and fitting. Uplift does not supply to individuals. Please see the "Receive Bras" page for more information.

Often the bra received through Uplift will be the only bra that woman owns.

Nursing bras including crop tops, ANY condition will do. If it will catch a leak it is better than nothing, which is the alternative.

E cup plus, ANY size Likely to be the only properly fitting bras that a woman gets in her life.

Mastectomy Bras and Breast Forms (prostheses) Like gold. If possible please send the box with the breast form/prosthesis, and put the relevant bras under the plastic mould, in the bottom of the box. These will be given to hospitals for distribution. If sending bras only, without breast forms/prostheses, please put a note in the bag/postpack so we don't miss-sort them.

Swimwear, any size. Swimwear is great for keeping warm if you are standing in the water fishing with a hand line for a couple of hours. It is also handy for coastal women who dive for cash crops.

Underpants, new. In some places a girl without underpants does not go to school during her period.

Fabric Nappies, second hand or new. In some areas, fabric nappies are expensive to buy so mums often buy one disposable at a time. That money is better spent on food for Mum. (Nappies at drop off points in Victoria only please).

Please no bodysuits, torsolettes, shapewear, U-bras or bedroom lingerie (though we do love the giggle - we don't send them).

For small personal donations, drop off to our listed locations, or post to the listed addresses. See the "Donate Bras" page for locations.

If you are planning a collection / bra drive please see the "Want to Help?" page.

You do not need to sort the bras from a collection / bra drive. If you do choose to sort, please read the "Bra Sorting Instructions".

Donating toward shipping:

Freight fees, customs charges, fumigation, dock fees... they all add up. Donations of funds toward transport costs are greatly appreciated.
PayPal is the preferred method for donating funds to the Uplift Project, it is simple and secure.

Even if you do not have a PayPal account, you can use your credit card with PayPal to make a secure donation to Uplift.

Please note that donations of funds are not tax deductible at this time. An application for DGR status (Deductible Gift Recipient) within Australia is underway.

There are other groups around the world that share our common interest. Recycling bras in the USA or UK? Visit these websites for more details